Beitou District Library, Taipei City Introduction
The Beitou Branch of the Taipei Public Library is Taiwan's first green building library, located within the lush and ecologically rich Beitou Park, adjacent to the Hot Springs Museum. The library consists of one underground floor and two above-ground floors, covering a total area of 650 ping. The indoor atmosphere is filled with the scent of books, while the outdoor space is alive with the sounds of birds, making reading an enjoyable and delightful activity. The library houses over ten thousand volumes, with a collection characterized by "ecological conservation," offering a treasure trove of knowledge that feels like a haven for book lovers. The indoor reading area features carefully designed tables and chairs that complement the architecture; outside, there are wooden pathways, tables, and reading platforms where visitors can enjoy a gentle breeze while immersed in the world of books. When in need of a break, stepping outdoors to view the luscious green trees and the ecological lotus pond not only alleviates eye fatigue but also refreshes the mind and body. The roof features a lightweight ecological design equipped with solar panels that generate 16 kilowatts of power, and it includes extensive shaded balconies and vertical wooden screens to reduce heat radiation indoors and lower energy consumption for energy-saving effects. The green roof and sloped grassy areas are designed to retain moisture, naturally draining to rainwater collection tanks, which are then used for irrigating plants and flushing toilets, achieving greening and reducing water resource waste. The building utilizes wood and steel materials, all of which are recyclable, minimizing waste and environmental impact. Regarding indoor health and environmental indicators, the wooden materials are treated for termite prevention, and ecological paints are used while avoiding unnecessary renovation work, thereby reducing pollution and the release of toxic substances to protect human health. When visiting Beitou, one can enjoy not only the hot springs but also the fusion of book scent and greenery in a forest bath!
